Astrobotic Unveils Lower Lunar Delivery Pricing

July 8, 2013

PITTSBURGH, PA – JUL 8, 2013 - Astrobotic Technology Inc. has unveiled lower pricing for its lunar delivery services in its updated Payload User’s Guide released today. Now scientists, advertisers, engineers, artists, and other lunar visionaries can secure space aboard Astrobotic’s 2015 lunar mission for 30% less than previously published rates. The mission will explore a lunar skylight thought to be an entrance to a subsurface cave network.

Almost every commercial and scientific enterprise on the Moon demands routine, reliable payload delivery. According to CEO Dr. William “Red” Whittaker, “Our strategy is to offer commercial, lunar-relevant space products and services from components to robots and landers, including payload deliveries and turnkey missions.” Using a third-party launch vehicle, Astrobotic delivers payloads to TLI, lunar orbit, and the lunar surface. Potential payloads range from prospecting and science instruments today to infrastructure, mining equipment, and even tourists tomorrow.

The lower pricing is driven by several key technology developments, including propulsion enhancements and a smaller, lighter rover suitable for the Moon’s mid-latitudes that is currently under development. With these technology advancements, Astrobotic can offer up to 270kg of customer payload to the surface of the Moon.

“Astrobotic is pioneering affordable access to our solar system. This new pricing brings the Moon closer for all of us,” said John Thornton, Astrobotic’s president. “Our smaller, lighter rover can explore the skylight while making more mass available to our customers at a very competitive price.” The company’s lunar payload services start at $545k per pound (or $1.2m/kg) and include standard services for integration, power, and communication.

Astrobotic’s mission to a lunar skylight will launch on a Space X Falcon 9 in October 2015. Astrobotic Technology Inc. is a Pittsburgh based company that delivers affordable space robotics technology and planetary missions. Spun out of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute in 2008, the company has been awarded over a dozen NASA contracts, including contracts for lunar mission design, and lander and rover development.